Saying thanks in a big way

Sept. 12 is a day of free dental care for U.S. military and their families

Organizers are calling it the nation's "largest thank-you movement ever."

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By Beth Kalet

recordonline.com

By Beth Kalet

Posted Sep. 10, 2013 at 2:00 AM
Updated Sep 10, 2013 at 11:03 AM

By Beth Kalet

Posted Sep. 10, 2013 at 2:00 AM
Updated Sep 10, 2013 at 11:03 AM

LOCAL FREEDOM DAY USA PARTICIPANTS

These local businesses are participating in Freedom Day USA, as of press time:

• All Access Dental

75 Crystal Run Road, Suite 235, Town of Wallkill; 673-5160

250 Broadway...

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LOCAL FREEDOM DAY USA PARTICIPANTS

These local businesses are participating in Freedom Day USA, as of press time:

• All Access Dental

75 Crystal Run Road, Suite 235, Town of Wallkill; 673-5160

250 Broadway, Newburgh; 569-8668

allaccessdental.com

• B-Balls Meatballs

28 Prairie Ave., Suffern

357-8054

bballsmeatballs.com

• Dolson Avenue Dental

Dr. Geri Waldman

Dr. Eric Waldman

75 Dolson Ave., Middletown

342-1533

dolsonavenuedental.com

• Dr. Franklin Lackee

419 E. Main St., Town of Wallkill

343-1533

franklackeedds.com

For more information, visit freedomdayusa.org.

Beth Kalet

» Social News

Organizers are calling it the nation's "largest thank-you movement ever."

On Thursday, some local dentists will join Freedom Day USA, a nationwide program that offers free dental services to members of the U.S. military and their families. Procedures are limited to one-day services, such as cleanings, fillings, X-rays and extractions.

In Orange County, three dental practices are onboard.

This is the inaugural year for Freedom Day USA, but those involved say they hope to make it an annual event, held on the second Thursday in September.

Karen Pikul is office manager and dental hygienist at the Town of Wallkill practice of Dr. Franklin Lackee. She's giving 45-minute appointments, and her day is already filled. Lackee is offering half-hour appointments and may yet have a few openings.

"He said he would keep working all day long," Pikul said of Lackee. "I really give him a lot of credit. Most times people are looking for the almighty dollar ... he's young and he's looking to give back. I really appreciate that."

"Giving back" to veterans and active service members was the motivation cited by every one of the local participants in this program. And not one says he has a family member in the military. Just a desire to thank military service people in the way they can best — by providing dental care at no charge.

Dr. Geri Waldman, a pediatric dentist, and Dr. Eric Waldman, a general dentist, at Dolson Avenue Dental in Middletown, are also taking part in the day of service. The two Waldmans are unrelated, but they share the practice. Geri Waldman noted, too, that they won't be billing insurance for those who do have coverage.

"We just thought it was a nice thing to do, to give back to the military that's doing so much for us for the last 10 years," Waldman said.

All Access Dental has two locations, one in Middletown and another in Newburgh. Both are participating in the program. In addition to taking appointments for dental cleanings and exams, they are giving out goody bags that include a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. They will also accept walk-ins on that day.

This business, headed by Dr. David Gonzalez, also offers a discount dental plan for veterans and their families, called Smiles on America's Heroes, which is separate from the one-day special event.

Founded by a West Virginia dentist and endorsed by dentists around the country, Freedom Day USA was designed to provide a variety of services to members of the military and their families.

Other businesses are encouraged to participate, and in Orange County, B-Balls Meatballs in Suffern has joined up. They'll be giving free Italian ice to military families Thursday.

Find out more at freedomdayusa.org, where a state-by-state listing of participating businesses can be found.